10 Ways to Keep Your NDIS Plan on Track Without a Support Coordinator
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The recent recommendation from the NDIS review to do away with the role of support coordinator has many in the NDIS world feeling anxious. For a lot of people, support coordinators are essential guides, helping to navigate the complex NDIS system. Although the review suggests replacing support coordinators with a new role called a "navigator," it's hard to know yet if they will meet the same standard of support.
The idea of losing this crucial assistance is pretty daunting. But in times of change, it's all about resilience and preparation. We need to start thinking about alternative ways to manage and maintain the support we need.
Lanny, one of our amazing community members, shared her thoughts in Kinora, saying, "The thought of losing my support coordinator is freaking me out too. They’re like my lifeline in this whole NDIS maze!" She’s right – many feel the same way.
Lanny lives in NSW and has been an NDIS participant for 4 years. "If they do end up cutting support coordination (which I really hope they don’t), here are some ideas I’ve been tossing around to try and keep things together," she continues.
She has put together a list of ideas to help us prepare for the potential loss of support coordination funding. Her proactive approach is a great example of the ingenuity and solidarity within the Kinora community.
This list is not just about preparing for future changes, it's also incredibly useful for anyone who currently doesn’t have support coordinator funding in their plan. By following these practical steps, you can manage your NDIS plan more effectively and maintain the support you need, regardless of the changes ahead.
With this spirit of resilience and community support, let's dive in. Thank you, community champ Lanny! 🙌
Want to be part of our supportive and creative community too? Join here!
1. Become Your Own Self Advocate
Understanding the ins and outs of the NDIS, knowing your rights, and being actively involved in your care, budgets, and planning is one of the best things you can do.
I know this isn't always easy, and for some of us, it might not be possible. But if you have the capacity, I urge you to be proactive in managing your own NDIS supports. This could be as simple as signing up for NDIS news alerts, doing some prep work for your next reassessment, or learning what to look for in a provider. Each step you take builds your skills and confidence to advocate for your own needs and wants.
2. Attend an NDIS Workshop or Training
The NDIA regularly holds online and in-person events to explain different aspects of the scheme. It’s a good chance to learn something new and get any questions you have answered then and there.
Many other organisations hold live workshops and webinars or provide online courses too, some free and some paid. These can teach you how to manage your NDIS plan, how to budget your funds, understand your rights, and communicate effectively with service providers.
Search google for any courses that might be a good fit, or browse through Humanitix for live opportunities to learn (you’ll find Kinora events on there too!). You may be able to use some of your NDIS funding to attend paid training. If you’re unsure if you have the correct funding in your plan, contact the NDIA to check.
It’s all about gaining confidence and control over your supports.
3. Family Training
If you have family members who assist you, consider getting them trained on how to manage NDIS-related tasks too. This can empower them to support you more effectively and ensure that everyone is on the same page. For example, your family could learn how to handle NDIS paperwork, manage appointments, and understand your plan’s details.
4. Using Regular Support Hours
You can use some of your regular support hours to get help with NDIS-related tasks. This might include having a support worker help fill out forms, make phone calls, or organise your schedule. It’s especially helpful if you find paperwork daunting or need help staying on track.
5. Tips from Health Providers
Your Occupational Therapist (OT) or other allied health providers might be able to offer valuable tips on managing your NDIS plan. They might show you how to organise your supports more effectively or suggest tools that can help you stay on top of your plan. For instance, an OT could teach you how to use a planner to keep track of your appointments and tasks.
6. Support Groups
Joining a support group can be incredibly beneficial. You can share experiences, learn from others facing similar challenges, and get emotional support. It’s a great way to bounce ideas off others and see what’s worked for different people.
Online platforms like Kinora offer a community where you can connect with others and find helpful resources, making you feel less alone and more supported. There’s also plenty of in person support groups, many run by disability-specific organisations, or through local carer networks. Ask your service providers if they have heard of any groups locally that might interest you too, often they’ll hear things from other clients.
7. Advocacy Services
There are free advocacy services available that can help you understand your rights and support you in dealing with the NDIS. These services can provide advice, represent you in meetings, and help resolve issues. For instance, if you’re having trouble getting the supports you need, an advocate can step in and help you make your case.
To search for an advocacy organisation near you, Ask Izzy is a great tool.
8. Apps and Online Tools
There are some great apps out there to help you manage your NDIS plan. These apps can track your spending and help you stay organised. The NDIS has its own app, My NDIS mobile app, which is helpful for self-managers. If you’re plan managed, check if your plan manager has their own app (such as the My Plan Manager app).
Search your app store for apps that might be a good fit for you. There are apps for self-managers that might be funded by your plan. There’s also apps and online tools out there that can help you keep track of different aspects of your care, such as appointments, paperwork, and important deadlines.
👇 These last two ideas are for those who need help right now, because the recommended changes suggest removing these roles too and rolling them into one combined role with support coordinators, the “navigator”.
9. Local Area Coordinators (LACs)
While experiences with Local Area Coordinators (LACs) can vary, it’s worth trying to build a good relationship with them. You can find contact details for your local office here.
They can provide basic assistance and guidance on navigating the NDIS. For example, an LAC should help you understand how to use your funding and connect you with local services.
10. Plan Managers
Think of plan managers as your financial assistance for NDIS. They handle the nitty-gritty of paying your service providers and keeping track of your spending. While they don’t replace Support Coordinators, they can still help you manage your funds effectively and find services (although they shouldn’t ethically recommend one provider over another).
For instance, they can give you a clear breakdown of your budgets to prevent overspending, or help you understand what your budgets can be used for.
Proactivity is Key
Lanny's proactive approach is a testament to the strength and creativity of our community members. By sharing her ideas, she's not only helping herself but also offering valuable suggestions to others who might be feeling the same anxiety. It's clear that while the potential changes are stressful, we have the resilience and support network to adapt and thrive.
Let's take these ideas to heart, support one another, and continue to advocate for the services that are so crucial to well-being. Together, we can navigate these changes and come out stronger on the other side.
As Lanny says, “Hang in there, everyone – we're all in this together!” 🧡
